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French submarine Surcouf: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 10°40′N 79°32′W / 10.667°N 79.533°W / 10.667; -79.533
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m See also: +USS Dorado sunk in the same area under similar circumstances
 
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{{short description|French submarine}}
{{Other ships|French ship Surcouf}}
{{Other ships|French ship Surcouf}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2006}}
{{more citations needed|date = April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=Surcouf FRA.jpg
|Ship image=Surcouf FRA.jpg
|Ship caption=''Surcouf'' {{circa}} 1935 painted in [[Prussian blue|Prussian dark blue]]
|Ship caption=''Surcouf'' {{circa}} 1935
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship career
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Ship country=France
|Ship country=France
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|France|naval}} {{shipboxflag|Free French|naval}}
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|France|naval}} {{shipboxflag|Free France|naval}}
|Ship name=''Surcouf''
|Ship name=''Surcouf''
|Ship namesake=[[Robert Surcouf]]
|Ship namesake=[[Robert Surcouf]]
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|Ship struck=
|Ship struck=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship identification=[[Pennant number]]: N N 3
|Ship identification=*[[Pennant number]]: N N 3
*Designation number: 17P<ref>Ross, D. (2016:65). ''The World's Most Powerful Submarines''. United States: [[Rosen Publishing]].</ref>
|Ship motto=
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship honors=[[Resistance Medal]] with ''rosette''
|Ship honors=[[Resistance Medal]] with ''rosette''
|Ship fate= disappeared, 18 February 1942
|Ship fate= Disappeared, 18 February 1942
|Ship status=
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
|Ship badge=
|Ship badge=
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|Header caption=
|Header caption=
|Ship type=[[Cruiser submarine]]
|Ship type=[[Cruiser submarine]]
|Ship displacement=*{{convert|3250|LT|t|abbr=on}} (surfaced)
|Ship displacement=*{{convert|3250|LT|t|0|abbr=on}} (surfaced)
*{{convert|4304|LT|t|abbr=on}} (submerged)
*{{convert|4304|LT|t|0|abbr=on}} (submerged)
*{{convert|2880|LT|t|abbr=on}} (dead)
*{{convert|2880|LT|t|0|abbr=on}} (dead)
|Ship length={{convert|110|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}
|Ship length={{convert|110|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|9|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|9|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
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*{{convert|3400|hp|kW|abbr=on}} (submerged)
*{{convert|3400|hp|kW|abbr=on}} (submerged)
|Ship propulsion=*2 × [[Sulzer (manufacturer)|Sulzer]] [[diesel engine]]s (surfaced)
|Ship propulsion=*2 × [[Sulzer (manufacturer)|Sulzer]] [[diesel engine]]s (surfaced)
*2 × electric motors (submerged)
*2 × Electric motors (submerged)
*2 × screws
*2 × [[Propeller]]s
|Ship speed=*{{convert|18.5|kn|km/h mph|lk=in|}} (surfaced)
|Ship speed=*{{convert|18.5|kn|km/h mph|lk=in|}} (surfaced)
*{{convert|10|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}} (submerged)
*{{convert|10|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}} (submerged)
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|Ship test depth={{convert|80|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship test depth={{convert|80|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|Ship boats=2 × motorboats in watertight deck well
|Ship boats=2 × motorboats in watertight deck well
|Ship capacity={{convert|280|LT|t|abbr=on}}
|Ship capacity={{convert|280|LT|t|0|abbr=on}}
|Ship complement=8 officers and 110 men
|Ship complement=8 officers and 110 men
|Ship sensors=
|Ship sensors=
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*2 × [[Canon de 37 mm Modèle 1925|{{convert|37|mm|in|abbr=on}}]] [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft gun]]s (2 × 1)
*2 × [[Canon de 37 mm Modèle 1925|{{convert|37|mm|in|abbr=on}}]] [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft gun]]s (2 × 1)
*4 × [[Hotchkiss M1929 machine gun|{{convert|13.2|mm|in|abbr=on}}]] anti-aircraft machine guns (2 × 2)
*4 × [[Hotchkiss M1929 machine gun|{{convert|13.2|mm|in|abbr=on}}]] anti-aircraft machine guns (2 × 2)
*8 × {{convert|550|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s
*6 × {{convert|550|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[torpedo tube]]s
*4 × {{convert|400|mm|in|abbr=on}} torpedo tubes
*4 × {{convert|400|mm|in|abbr=on}} torpedo tubes
|Ship aircraft=1 × [[Besson MB.411]] [[floatplane]]
|Ship aircraft=1 × [[Besson MB.411]] [[floatplane]]
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|}
|}


'''''Surcouf''''' {{IPA|fr|syʁ.kuf|}} was a large French gun-armed [[cruiser submarine]] of the mid 20th century. She carried two 203&nbsp;mm guns as well as anti-aircraft guns and (for most of her career) a floatplane. ''Surcouf'' served in the [[French Navy]] and, later, the [[Free French Naval Forces]] during the [[Second World War]].
'''''Surcouf''''' was the largest [[France|French]] [[submarine]] [[Cruiser submarine|cruiser]] built. She served in both the [[French Navy]] and the [[Free French Naval Forces]] during the [[Second World War]]. She was lost during the night of 18/19 February 1942 in the [[Caribbean Sea]], possibly after colliding with an American freighter. ''Surcouf'' was named after the French privateer [[Robert Surcouf]]. She was the largest submarine built until surpassed by the first Japanese {{sclass-|I-400|submarine|1}} in 1943.


''Surcouf'' disappeared during the night of 18/19 February 1942 in the [[Caribbean Sea]], possibly after colliding with the US freighter ''Thompson Lykes'', although this has not been definitely established. She was named after the French privateer and shipowner [[Robert Surcouf]]. She was the largest submarine built until surpassed by the first Japanese [[I-400-class submarine|I-400 class]] aircraft carrier submarine in 1944.
==Design==


==Design==
The [[Washington Naval Treaty]] had placed strict limits on naval construction by the major naval powers in regards to displacements and artillery calibers of battleships and cruisers. However, no accords was filed in motion for light ships such as frigates or destroyers or submarines. In addition, to ensure the country's protection and that of the empire, France mounted the construction of an important [[List of submarines of France|submarine fleet]] (79 units in 1939). ''Surcouf'' was intended to be the first of a class of submarine cruiser; however, she was the only one completed.


The [[Washington Naval Treaty]] had placed strict limits on naval construction by the major naval powers in regard to displacements and artillery calibers of battleships and cruisers. However, no agreements were reached in respect of light ships such as frigates, destroyers or submarines. In addition, to ensure the country's protection and that of the empire, France started the construction of an important [[List of submarines of France|submarine fleet]] (79 units in 1939). ''Surcouf'' was intended to be the first of a class of three submarine cruisers; however, she was the only one completed.
The missions were revolved around the following:
* Ensure contact with the [[List of French possessions and colonies|French colonies]];
* In collaboration with French naval squadrons, search and destroy enemy fleets;
* Pursuit of enemy convoys.


The missions revolved around:
''Surcouf'' had a twin-gun turret with 203&nbsp;mm (8-inch) guns, the same calibre as that of a [[heavy cruiser]] (the main reason of ''Sourcouf'' being designated as ''croiseur sous-marin'' – "cruiser submarine") provisioned with 600 rounds.
* Ensuring contact with the [[List of French possessions and colonies|French colonies]];
* In collaboration with French naval squadrons, searching for and destroying enemy fleets;
* Pursuing enemy convoys.


''Surcouf'' was designed as an "underwater heavy cruiser", intended to seek and engage in surface combat.<ref>{{cite book |last=Winchester |first=Clarence |year=1937 |title=Shipping wonders of the world |volume=41–55 |location= |publisher=Amalgamated Press |page=1431}}</ref> For reconnaissance purposes, the boat carried a [[Besson MB.411]] observation [[floatplane]] in a hangar built abaft of the [[conning tower]]. However, the floatplane was also mainly used for gun calibration purposes.
''Surcouf'' had a twin-gun turret with [[203mm/50 Modèle 1924 gun|203&nbsp;mm (8-inch) guns]], the same calibre as the guns of a [[heavy cruiser]], provisioned with 60 rounds. She was designed as an "underwater heavy cruiser", intended to seek out and engage in surface combat.<ref>{{cite book |last=Winchester |first=Clarence |year=1937 |title=Shipping wonders of the world |volume=41–55 |publisher=Amalgamated Press |page=1431}}</ref> The boat carried a [[Besson MB.411]] observation [[floatplane]] in a hangar built aft of the [[conning tower]] for reconnaissance and [[Artillery observer|observing fall of shot]].


The boat was equipped with a 12 [[torpedo]] [[Torpedo tube|tube]] launch mechanisms, eight {{convert|550|mm|in|abbr=on}} and four {{convert|400|mm|in|abbr=on}} torpedo tubes, in addition to 12 torpedoes in reserve. The [[203mm/50 Modèle 1924 gun]]s were in a pressure-tight turret forward of the conning tower. The guns had a 60-round magazine capacity and was controlled by a [[Director (military)|director]] with a {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}} rangefinder, mounted high enough to view a {{convert|11|km|nmi mi|lk=on|abbr=on}} horizon, and able to fire within three minutes after surfacing.<ref name=Netmarine-Main/> Using the boat's periscopes to direct the fire of the main guns, ''Surcouf'' could increase this range to {{convert|16|km|nmi mi|abbr=on}}; originally an elevating platform was supposed to lift lookouts {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}} high, but this design was abandoned quickly due to the effect of roll.<ref name=Netmarine-Caracter>[http://netmarine.net/g/bat/surcouf/caracter.htm Sous-marin croiseur ''Surcouf'': Caractéristiques principales]</ref>
The boat was equipped with ten [[torpedo tube]]s: four {{convert|550|mm|in|abbr=on}} tubes in the bow, and two swiveling external launchers in the aft superstructure, each with one 550&nbsp;mm and two {{convert|400|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[torpedo]] tubes. Eight 550&nbsp;mm and four 400&nbsp;mm reloads were carried.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Huan |first1=Claude |year=1996 |title=Le croiseur sous-marin Surcouf |location=Bourg en Bresse |publisher=Marines editions |pages=53–54}}</ref> The 203&nbsp; Modèle 1924 guns were in a pressure-tight turret forward of the conning tower. The guns had a 60-round magazine capacity and were controlled by a [[Director (military)|director]] with a {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}} rangefinder, mounted high enough to view an {{convert|11|km|nmi mi|lk=on|abbr=on}} horizon, and able to fire within three minutes after surfacing.<ref name=Netmarine-Main/> Using the boat's periscopes to direct the fire of the main guns, ''Surcouf'' could increase the visible range to {{convert|16|km|nmi mi|abbr=on}}; originally an elevating platform was supposed to lift lookouts {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}} high, but this design was abandoned quickly due to the effect of [[Ship motions#Reference axes|roll]].<ref name=Netmarine-Caracter>[http://netmarine.net/g/bat/surcouf/caracter.htm Sous-marin croiseur ''Surcouf'': Caractéristiques principales]</ref>
The Besson observation plane could be used to direct fire out to the guns' {{convert|26|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} maximum range. Anti-aircraft cannon and machine guns were mounted on the top of the hangar.
The Besson observation plane could be used to direct fire out to the guns' {{convert|26|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} maximum range. Anti-aircraft cannon and machine guns were mounted on the top of the hangar.


''Surcouf'' also carried a {{convert|4.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} motorboat, and contained a cargo compartment with fittings to restrain 40 prisoners or lodge 40 passengers. The submarine's fuel tanks were very large; enough fuel for a {{convert|10000|nmi|km mi|abbr=on}} range and supplies for 90-day patrols could be carried.
''Surcouf'' also carried a {{convert|4.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} motorboat, and contained a cargo compartment with fittings to restrain 40 prisoners or lodge 40 passengers. The submarine's fuel tanks were very large; having enough fuel for a {{convert|10000|nmi|km mi|abbr=on}} range and supplies for 90-day patrols.


The test depth was {{convert|80|m|ft|abbr=on}}.
The maximum safe diving depth was 80 meters, however, the boat was capable of diving to 110 meters without notable deformations to its thick [[Submarine hull|hull]], with a normal operating depth of {{convert|178|m|ft|abbr=on}}. [[Submarine depth ratings|Crush depth]] was calculated at {{convert|491|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}


The first commanding officer was [[Frigate Captain]] (''Capitaine de Frégate'', a rank equivalent to [[Commander]]), Raymond de Belot.
The first commanding officer was [[Frigate Captain]] (''Capitaine de Frégate'', a rank equivalent to [[Commander]]) Raymond de Belot.


The boat encountered several technical challenges, owing to the 203mm guns.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}
The boat encountered several technical challenges:
* Because of the low height of the rangefinder above the water surface, the practical range of fire was {{convert|12000|m|yd|abbr=on}} with the rangefinder, increased to {{convert|16000|m|yd|abbr=on}} with sighting aided by periscope, well below the guns' maximum range of {{convert|26000|m|yd|abbr=on}}.

* The duration between the surface order and the first firing round was 3 minutes and 35 seconds. This duration would be longer if the boat was to fire [[Broadside (naval)|broadside]], which meant surfacing and [[Training (gunnery)|training]] the turret in the desired direction.
* Because of the low height of the rangefinder above the water surface, the practical range of fire was {{convert|12000|m|yd|abbr=on}} with the rangefinder ({{convert|16000|m|yd|abbr=on}} with sighting aided by periscope), well below the normal maximum of {{convert|26000|m|yd|abbr=on}}.
* The duration between the surface order and the first firing round was 3 minutes and 35 seconds. This duration could have been longer in case the boat was going to fire [[broadside]], which meant surfacing and [[Training (disambiguation)|training]] the turret in the desired direction.
* Firing had to occur at a precise moment of pitch and roll when the ship was level.
* Firing had to occur at a precise moment of pitch and roll when the ship was level.
* Training the turret to either side was limited to when the ship rolled 8° or less.
* Training the turret to either side was impossible when the ship rolled 8° or more.
* ''Surcouf'' was not equipped to fire at night, due to inability to observe the fall of shot in the dark
* ''Surcouf'' could not fire accurately at night, as fall of shot could not be observed in the dark.
* The mounts were designed to fire 14 rounds from each gun before their [[Magazine (artillery)|magazine]]s were reloaded.
* The guns' ready [[Magazine (artillery)|magazines]] had to be reloaded after firing 14 rounds from each gun.

To replace the hydroplane whose functioning was initially constrained and limited in use, trials were conducted with an [[autogyro]] in 1938.


To replace the floatplane, whose functioning was initially constrained and limited in use, trials were conducted with an [[autogyro]] in 1938.
==Appearance of ''Surcouf''==


==Appearance ==
''Surcouf'' was never painted in olive green as shown on numerous models and drawings.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} From the beginning of the boat's career until 1932, the boat was painted of the same grey colour as surface warships, then in ''[[Prussian blue|Prussian dark blue]]'', a colour which was conserved until the end of 1940 where the boat was repainted with two tones of grey, serving as camouflage on the hull and conning tower.


'From the beginning of the boat's career until 1932, the boat was painted the same grey colour as surface warships, but thereafter in ''[[Prussian blue|Prussian dark blue]]'', a colour which was retained until the end of 1940 when it was repainted with two tones of grey, serving as camouflage on the hull and conning tower.
'' Surcouf'' is often depicted in the boat's 1932 state, harboring the flag of the [[Free French Naval Forces]] which was not created until 1940.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}


{{Gallery
{{Gallery
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|width=200
|width=200
|height=110
|height=110
|lines=4
|align=center
|align=center
|File:Surcouf-outlines-1932.svg|Original configuration, 1932
|File:Surcouf-outlines-1932.svg|Original configuration, 1932
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===Early career===
===Early career===


Soon after ''Surcouf'' was launched, the [[London Naval Treaty]] finally placed restrictions on submarine designs. Among other things, each signatory (France included) was permitted to possess no more than three large submarines, each not exceeding {{convert|2800|LT|t|abbr=on}} standard displacement, with guns not exceeding {{convert|6.1|in|mm|abbr=on}} in caliber. ''Surcouf'', which would have exceeded these limits, was specially exempt from the rules at the insistence of Navy Minister [[Georges Leygues]],<ref name=Netmarine-Main>[http://netmarine.net/g/bat/surcouf/index.htm Croiseur sous-marin ''Surcouf''], netmarine</ref> but other 'big-gun' submarines of this boat's class could no longer be built.
Soon after ''Surcouf'' was launched, the [[London Naval Treaty]] finally placed restrictions on submarine designs. Among other things, each signatory (France included) was permitted to possess no more than three large submarines, each not exceeding {{convert|2800|LT|t|0|abbr=on}} standard displacement, with guns not exceeding {{convert|6.1|in|mm|abbr=on}} in caliber. ''Surcouf'', which would have exceeded these limits, was specially exempt from the rules at the insistence of Navy Minister [[Georges Leygues]],<ref name=Netmarine-Main>[http://netmarine.net/g/bat/surcouf/index.htm Croiseur sous-marin ''Surcouf''], netmarine</ref> but other 'big-gun' submarines of this boat's class could no longer be built.


===Second World War===
===Second World War===
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In 1940, ''Surcouf'' was based in [[Cherbourg-Octeville|Cherbourg]], but in May, when the Germans invaded, she was being refitted in [[Brest, France|Brest]] following a mission in the [[Antilles]] and [[Gulf of Guinea]]. Under command of Frigate Captain Martin, unable to dive and with only one engine functioning and a jammed rudder, she limped across the [[English Channel]] and sought refuge in [[Plymouth]].
In 1940, ''Surcouf'' was based in [[Cherbourg-Octeville|Cherbourg]], but in May, when the Germans invaded, she was being refitted in [[Brest, France|Brest]] following a mission in the [[Antilles]] and [[Gulf of Guinea]]. Under command of Frigate Captain Martin, unable to dive and with only one engine functioning and a jammed rudder, she limped across the [[English Channel]] and sought refuge in [[Plymouth]].


On 3 July, the British, concerned that the French Fleet would be taken over by the German ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' at the French armistice, executed [[Destruction of the French Fleet at Mers-el-Kebir|Operation Catapult]]. The [[Royal Navy]] blockaded the harbours where French warships were anchored, and delivered an ultimatum: rejoin the fight against Germany, be put out of reach of the Germans, or scuttle. Few accepted willingly; the North African fleet at [[Mers-el-Kebir]] and the [[Battle of Dakar#Background|ships based at Dakar]] (West Africa) refused. The French battleships in North Africa were eventually attacked and all but one sunk at their moorings by the [[Mediterranean Fleet]].
On 3 July, the British, concerned that the French Fleet would be taken over by the German ''[[Kriegsmarine]]'' at the French armistice, executed [[Attack on Mers-el-Kébir#Operation Catapult|Operation Catapult]]. The [[Royal Navy]] blockaded the harbours where French warships were anchored, and delivered an ultimatum: rejoin the fight against Germany, be put out of reach of the Germans, or scuttle. Few accepted willingly; the North African fleet at [[Mers-el-Kebir]] and the [[Battle of Dakar#Background|ships based at Dakar]] (French West Africa) refused. The French battleships in North Africa were eventually attacked and all but one sunk at their moorings by the [[Mediterranean Fleet]].


French ships lying at ports in Britain and Canada were also boarded by armed marines, sailors and soldiers, but the only serious incident took place at [[Plymouth]] aboard ''Surcouf'' on 3 July, when two Royal Navy submarine officers, Cdr Denis 'Lofty' Sprague, captain of {{HMS|Thames|N71|6}} and Lt Griffiths of {{HMS|Rorqual|N74|6}},<ref name="Phoenix paperback">{{cite book|last1=Smith|first1=Colin|title=England's last war against France: Fighting Vichy 1940–42|date=24 June 2010|publisher=Phoenix (paperback)|isbn=978-0-7538-2705-5|page=Chapter 4|edition=paperback}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1940-07JUL.htm |title=1st – 31st July 1940 |work=Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies, World War 2 |first=Don |last=Kindell |date= 6 December 2011}}</ref> and French warrant officer mechanic Yves Daniel<ref name=Netmarine-Histoire>{{citation |url=http://netmarine.net/g/bat/surcouf/histoire.htm |title=Histoire du sous-marin ''Surcouf'' |publisher=netmarine |language=French}}</ref> were fatally wounded, and a British seaman, L. S. Webb,<ref name="Phoenix paperback"/> was shot dead by the submarine's doctor.<ref>{{cite book |last=Brown |first=David |last2=Till |first2=Geoffrey |year=2004 |title=The Road to Oran: Anglo-French Naval Relations, September 1939 – July 1940 |location= |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=0-7146-5461-2 |page=182}}</ref>
French ships lying at ports in Britain and Canada were also boarded by armed marines, sailors and soldiers, but the only serious incident took place at [[Plymouth]] aboard ''Surcouf'' on 3 July, when two Royal Navy submarine officers, [[Commander]] Denis 'Lofty' Sprague, captain of {{HMS|Thames|N71|6}}, and [[Lieutenant]] Patrick Griffiths of {{HMS|Rorqual|N74|6}},<ref name="Phoenix paperback">{{cite book|last1=Smith|first1=Colin|title=England's last war against France: Fighting Vichy 1940–42|date=24 June 2010|publisher=Phoenix |edition=paperback|isbn=978-0-7538-2705-5|at=Chapter 4}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1940-07JUL.htm |title=1st – 31st July 1940 |work=Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies, World War 2 |first=Don |last=Kindell |date= 12 June 2011 |editor= Gordon Smith}}</ref> and French warrant officer mechanic Yves Daniel<ref name=Netmarine-Histoire>{{citation |url=http://netmarine.net/g/bat/surcouf/histoire.htm |title=Histoire du sous-marin ''Surcouf'' |publisher=netmarine |language=fr}}</ref> were fatally wounded, and a British seaman, Albert Webb,<ref name="Phoenix paperback"/> was shot dead by the submarine's doctor.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Brown |first1=David |last2=Till |first2=Geoffrey |year=2004 |title=The Road to Oran: Anglo-French Naval Relations, September 1939 – July 1940 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=0-7146-5461-2 |page=182}}</ref>


===Free French naval forces===
===Free French Naval Forces===
By August 1940, the British completed ''Surcouf''{{'}}s refit and turned her over to the [[Free French Navy]] (''Forces Navales Françaises Libres'', FNFL) for convoy patrol. The only officer not repatriated from the original crew, Frigate Captain Georges Louis Blaison, became the new commanding officer. Because of Anglo-French tensions with regard to the submarine, accusations were made by each side that the other was spying for [[Vichy France]]; the British also claimed ''Surcouf'' was attacking British ships. Later, a British officer and two sailors were put aboard for "liaison" purposes. One real drawback was she required a crew of 110–130 men, which represented three crews of more conventional submarines. This led to Royal Navy reluctance to recommission her.
By August 1940, the British completed ''Surcouf''{{'}}s refit and turned her over to the [[Free French Naval Forces]] (''Forces Navales Françaises Libres'', FNFL) for convoy patrol. The only officer not repatriated from the original crew, Frigate Captain Georges Louis Blaison, became the new commanding officer. Because of Anglo-French tensions with regard to the submarine, accusations were made by each side that the other was spying for [[Vichy France]]; the British also claimed ''Surcouf'' was attacking British ships. Later, a British officer and two sailors were put aboard for "liaison" purposes. One real drawback was she required a crew of 110–130 men, which represented three crews of more conventional submarines. This led to Royal Navy reluctance to recommission her.


''Surcouf'' then went to the Canadian base at [[City of Halifax|Halifax]], [[Nova Scotia]] and escorted trans-Atlantic convoys. In April 1941, she was damaged by a German plane at Devonport.<ref name=Netmarine-Histoire/>
''Surcouf'' then went to the Canadian base at [[City of Halifax|Halifax]], [[Nova Scotia]] and escorted trans-Atlantic convoys. In April 1941, she was damaged by a German plane at Devonport.<ref name=Netmarine-Histoire/>


On 28 July, ''Surcouf'' went to the [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard|United States Naval Shipyard]] at Portsmouth, New Hampshire for a three-month refit.<ref name =Netmarine-Main/>
On 28 July, ''Surcouf'' went to the [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard|United States Naval Shipyard]] at Kittery, Maine for a three-month refit.<ref name =Netmarine-Main/>


After leaving the shipyard, ''Surcouf'' went to [[New London, Connecticut]], perhaps to receive additional training for her crew. ''Surcouf'' left New London on 27 November to return to Halifax.
After leaving the shipyard, ''Surcouf'' went to [[New London, Connecticut]], perhaps to receive additional training for her crew. ''Surcouf'' left New London on 27 November to return to Halifax.


===Liberation of St. Pierre and Miquelon===
===Capture of St. Pierre and Miquelon===
{{main|Capture of Saint Pierre and Miquelon}}
In December 1941, ''Surcouf'' carried the Free French Admiral [[Émile Muselier]] to Canada, putting into [[Quebec City]]. While the Admiral was in [[Ottawa]], conferring with the Canadian government, ''Surcouf''{{'}}s captain was approached by ''[[The New York Times]]'' reporter [[Ira Wolfert]] and questioned about the rumours the submarine would liberate [[Saint-Pierre and Miquelon]] for Free France. Wolfert accompanied the submarine to Halifax, where, on 20 December, they joined Free French [[List of Escorteurs of the French Navy|"Escorteurs"]] [[corvette]]s ''Mimosa'', {{Ship|French corvette|Aconit||2}}, and {{Ship|French corvette|Alysse||2}}, and on 24 December, took control of the islands for Free France without resistance.
[[File:St-pierre-et-miquelon-stamp-1961-(Surcouf-submarine).png|thumb|French postage stamp celebrating the "capture" of Saint Pierre and Miquelon (1961).]]
In December 1941, ''Surcouf'' carried the Free French Admiral [[Émile Muselier]] to Canada, putting into [[Quebec City]]. While the Admiral was in [[Ottawa]], conferring with the Canadian government, ''Surcouf''{{'}}s captain was approached by ''[[The New York Times]]'' reporter [[Ira Wolfert]] and questioned about the rumours the submarine would liberate [[Saint-Pierre and Miquelon]] for Free France. Wolfert accompanied the submarine to Halifax, where, on 20 December, they joined Free French [[List of escorteurs of the French Navy|"Escorteurs"]] [[corvette]]s ''Mimosa'', {{Ship|French corvette|Aconit||2}}, and {{Ship|French corvette|Alysse||2}}, and on 24 December, [[Capture of Saint Pierre and Miquelon|took control]] of the islands for Free France without resistance.


[[United States Secretary of State]] [[Cordell Hull]] had just concluded an agreement with the Vichy government guaranteeing the neutrality of French possessions in the Western hemisphere, and he threatened to resign unless President of the United States [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] demanded a restoration of the status quo. Roosevelt did so, but when [[Charles de Gaulle]] refused, Roosevelt dropped the matter. Ira Wolfert's stories – very favourable to the Free French (and bearing no sign of kidnapping or other duress) – helped swing American popular opinion away from Vichy. The Axis Powers' [[Axis powers#Germany.27s and Italy.27s declaration of war against the United States|declaration of war on the United States]] in December 1941 negated the agreement, but the U.S. did not sever diplomatic ties with the Vichy Government until November 1942.
[[United States Secretary of State]] [[Cordell Hull]] had just concluded an agreement with the Vichy government guaranteeing the neutrality of French possessions in the Western hemisphere, and he threatened to resign unless President of the United States [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] demanded a restoration of the status quo. Roosevelt did so, but when [[Charles de Gaulle]] refused, Roosevelt dropped the matter. Ira Wolfert's stories – very favourable to the Free French (and bearing no sign of kidnapping or other duress) – helped swing American popular opinion away from Vichy. The Axis Powers' [[Axis powers#Germany.27s and Italy.27s declaration of war against the United States|declaration of war on the United States]] in December 1941 negated the agreement, but the U.S. did not sever diplomatic ties with the Vichy Government until November 1942.


===Later operations===
===Later operations===
In January 1942, the Free French decided to send ''Surcouf'' to the Pacific theatre of war, after she re-supplied at the [[Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda|Royal Naval Dockyard]] in [[Bermuda]]. Her movement south triggered rumours that she was going to liberate [[Martinique]] for the Free French from Vichy.
In January 1942, the Free French leadership decided to send ''Surcouf'' to the [[Pacific War|Pacific theatre]], after she had been re-supplied at the [[Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda|Royal Naval Dockyard]] in [[Bermuda]]. However, her movement south triggered rumours that ''Surcouf'' was going to liberate [[Martinique]] from the Vichy regime.


After the outbreak of war with Japan, ''Surcouf'' was ordered to Sydney, Australia, via Tahiti.<ref name=Netmarine-Main/> She departed Halifax on 2 February for Bermuda, which she left on 12 February, bound for the [[Panama Canal]].<ref name=Netmarine-Histoire/>
In fact, ''Surcouf'' was bound for [[Sydney]], Australia, via Tahiti.<ref name=Netmarine-Main/> She departed Halifax on 2 February for Bermuda, which she left on 12 February, bound for the [[Panama Canal]].<ref name=Netmarine-Histoire/>


===Fate===
===Fate===
[[File:Free French Memorial, Greenock, west plaque & wreath.jpg|thumb|The Free French Memorial on [[Lyle Hill]], [[Greenock]]: ''À la mémoire du Capitaine de frégate Blaison, des officiers et de l'équipage du sous-marin Surcouf perdu dans l'Atlantique Février 1942'' ("To the memory of Frigate Captain Blaison, the officers[,] and the crew of the submarine Surcouf[,] lost in the Atlantic February 1942").]]
''Surcouf'' vanished on the night of 18/19 February 1942, about {{convert|80|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} north of [[Cristóbal, Colón]], while ''en route'' for [[Tahiti]], ''via'' the [[Panama Canal]]. An American report concluded the disappearance was due to an accidental collision with the American freighter {{SS|Thompson Lykes||2}}, steaming alone from [[Guantanamo Bay]], on what was a very dark night; the freighter reported hitting and running down a partially submerged object which scraped along her side and keel. Her lookouts heard people in the water but the freighter did not stop, thinking she had hit a U-boat, though cries for help were heard in English. A signal was sent to Panama describing the incident.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Morison |first1=Samuel Eliot |last2=Till |first2=Geoffrey |year=2001 |title=History of United States Naval Operations in World War II: The Rising Sun in the Pacific, 1931 – April 1942 |location= |publisher=[[University of Illinois Press]] |isbn=0-252-06963-3 |page=265}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Kelshall |first1=Gaylord |last2=Till |first2=Geoffrey |year=1994 |title=The U-Boat War in the Caribbean |location=Annapolis, MD |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Press]] |isbn=1-55750-452-0 |page=68}}</ref>
''Surcouf'' vanished on the night of 18/19 February 1942, about {{convert|130|km|nmi|abbr=on}} north of [[Cristóbal, Colón|Cristóbal, Panama]], while ''en route'' for [[Tahiti]], ''via'' the [[Panama Canal]]. An American report concluded the disappearance was due to an accidental collision with the American freighter {{SS|Thompson Lykes||2}}. Steaming alone from [[Guantánamo Bay|Guantanamo Bay]] on what was a very dark night, the freighter reported hitting and running down a partially submerged object which scraped along her side and keel. Her lookouts heard people in the water but, thinking she had hit a U-boat, the freighter did not stop although cries for help were heard in English. A signal was sent to Panama describing the incident.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Morison |first1=Samuel Eliot |last2=Till |first2=Geoffrey |year=2001 |title=History of United States Naval Operations in World War II: The Rising Sun in the Pacific, 1931 – April 1942 |publisher=[[University of Illinois Press]] |isbn=0-252-06963-3 |page=265}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Kelshall |first1=Gaylord |last2=Till |first2=Geoffrey |year=1994 |title=The U-Boat War in the Caribbean |location=Annapolis, MD |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Press]] |isbn=1-55750-452-0 |page=68}}</ref>


The loss resulted in 130 deaths (including 4 Royal Navy personnel), under the command of Frigate Captain Georges Louis Nicolas Blaison.{{citation needed|date = May 2017}} The loss of ''Surcouf'' was announced by the Free French Headquarters in London on 18 April 1942, and was reported in ''The New York Times'' the next day.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40F1EFE3E5E167B93CBA8178FD85F468485F9 |title=Free French List Surcouf as Lost |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=36 |date=19 April 1942 |accessdate=5 July 2013}}</ref> It was not reported ''Surcouf'' was sunk as the result of a collision with the ''Thompson Lykes'' until January 1945.<ref>The New York Times. January 29, 1945.</ref>
The loss resulted in 130 deaths (including 4 Royal Navy personnel), under the command of Frigate Captain Georges Louis Nicolas Blaison.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blaison Georges Louis Nicolas |url=https://memorial-national-des-marins.fr/b/7246-blaison-georges-louis-nicolas |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=memorial-national-des-marins.fr}}</ref> The loss of ''Surcouf'' was announced by the Free French Headquarters in London on 18 April 1942, and was reported in ''The New York Times'' the next day.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40F1EFE3E5E167B93CBA8178FD85F468485F9 |title=Free French List Surcouf as Lost |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=36 |date=19 April 1942 |access-date=5 July 2013}}</ref> It was not reported ''Surcouf'' was sunk as the result of a collision with the ''Thompson Lykes'' until January 1945.<ref>The New York Times. 29 January 1945.</ref>


The investigation of the French commission{{when|date=May 2017}} concluded the disappearance was the consequence of misunderstanding. A [[Consolidated PBY Catalina|Consolidated PBY]], patrolling the same waters on the night of February 18/19, could have attacked ''Surcouf'' believing her to be German or Japanese. This theory could have been backed by several elements:{{citation needed|date = May 2017}}<!--The collision could also account for a USN boat lost in the area-->
The investigation of the French commission concluded the disappearance was the consequence of misunderstanding. A [[Consolidated PBY Catalina|Consolidated PBY]], patrolling the same waters on the night of 18/19 February, could have attacked ''Surcouf'' believing her to be German or Japanese.


Inquiries into the incident were haphazard and late, while a later French inquiry supported the idea that the sinking had been due to "friendly fire"; this conclusion was supported by Rear Admiral [[Gabriel Auphan]] in his book ''The French Navy in World War II''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Auphan |first1=Paul |last2=Mordal |first2=Jacques |author-link2=Jacques Mordal |year=1959 |title=The French Navy in World War II |location=Annapolis, MD |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Press]] }}{{page needed|date=July 2013}}</ref> Charles de Gaulle stated in his memoirs<ref>{{cite book |last=de Gaulle |first=Charles |author-link=Charles de Gaulle |editor-last=Mordal |editor-first=Jaques |editor-link=Jacques Mordal |year=1955 |title=The War Memoirs of Charles de Gaulle, Vol. 1 The Call To Honour 1940–1942 |publisher=Viking Press }}{{page needed|date=July 2013}}</ref> that ''Surcouf'' "had sunk with all hands".
* The witness testimonies of cargo ship SS ''Thomson Lykes'', which accidentally collided with a submarine, described a submarine smaller than ''Surcouf''
* The damage to the ''Thomson Lykes'' was too light for a collision with ''Surcouf''
* The position of ''Surcouf'' did not correspond to any position of German submarines at that moment
* The Germans did not register any submarine loss in that sector during the war.


===Legacy===
Inquiries into the incident were haphazard and late, while a later French inquiry supported the idea that the sinking had been due to "friendly fire"; this conclusion was supported by Rear Admiral [[Gabriel Auphan|Auphan]] in his book ''The French Navy in World War II''<ref>{{cite book |last1=Auphan |first1=Paul |authorlink1= |last2=Mordal |first2=Jacques |authorlink2=Jacques Mordal |year=1959 |title=The French Navy in World War II |location=Annapolis, MD |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Press]] |page=}}{{page needed|date=July 2013}}</ref> in which he states: "for reasons which appear to have been primarily political, she was rammed at night in the Caribbean by an American freighter." Charles de Gaulle stated in his memoirs<ref>{{cite book |last=de Gaulle |first=Charles |authorlink=Charles de Gaulle |editor-last=Mordal |editor-first=Jaques |editor-link=Jacques Mordal |year=1955 |title=The War Memoirs of Charles de Gaulle, Vol. 1 The Call To Honour 1940–1942 |location= |publisher=Viking Press |isbn= |page=}}{{page needed|date=July 2013}}</ref> that ''Surcouf'' "had sunk with all hands".
{{location map|Caribbean|lat_deg=10.67|lon_deg=-79.53|relief=1|caption=Possible site of the ''Surcouf''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sinking, if she collided with the ''Thompson Lykes''.|align=left}}
As no one has officially dived or verified the wreck of ''Surcouf'', her location is unknown. If one assumes the ''Thompson Lykes'' incident was indeed the event of ''Surcouf's'' sinking, then the wreck would lie {{convert|3000|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep at {{coord|10|40|N|79|32|W|display=inline,title}}.<ref name=Netmarine-Main/>


A monument commemorates the loss in the port of [[Cherbourg]] in Normandy, France.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/FrenchSubmarineSurcoufthe.html|title=Ahoy - Mac's Web Log - French Submarine Surcouf, the World's largest Submarine before WW2. Her mysterious disappearance in February of 1942}}</ref> The loss is also commemorated by the Free French Memorial on [[Lyle Hill]] in Greenock, Scotland.<ref name="Inverclyde War Memorials">{{cite web | title=War Memorials | website=Inverclyde Council | url=https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/heritage-services/watt-library/family-history/war-memorials | quote=A la memoire du Capitaine de frigate Blaison, des officiers et de l'equipage du sous-marin Surcouf perdu dans l'Atlantique Fevrier 1942 | access-date=18 February 2020 | archive-date=7 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407024748/https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/heritage-services/watt-library/family-history/war-memorials | url-status=dead }}</ref>
As no one has officially dived or verified the wreck of ''Surcouf'', its location is unknown. If one assumes the ''Thompson Lykes'' incident was indeed the event of ''Surcouf's'' sinking, then the wreck would lie {{convert|3000|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep at {{coord|10|40|N|79|32|W|display=inline,title}}.<ref name=Netmarine-Main/>


[[File:Scale model of Surcouf-MnM 31 MG 16-IMG 6248-white.jpg|thumb|Model of ''Surcouf'' in Paris.]]
A monument commemorates the loss in the port of [[Cherbourg]] in Normandy, France.{{citation needed|date = May 2017}}
As there is no conclusive confirmation that ''Thompson Lykes'' collided with ''Surcouf'', and her wreck has yet to be discovered, there are alternative stories of her fate. [[James Rusbridger]] examined some of these theories in his book ''Who Sank Surcouf?'', finding them all easily dismissible except one: the records of the [[6th Operations Group|6th Heavy Bomber Group]] operating out of Panama show them sinking a large submarine the morning of 19 February. Since no German submarine was lost in the area on that date, she could have been ''Surcouf''. He suggested the collision had damaged ''Surcouf''{{'}}s radio and the stricken boat limped towards Panama hoping for the best.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rusbridger |first=James |author-link=James Rusbridger |title=Who Sank the "Surcouf"?: The Truth About the Disappearance of the Pride of the French Navy |year=1991 |publisher=Ebury Press |isbn=0-7126-3975-6 }}{{page needed|date=July 2013}}</ref>


A conspiracy theory, based on no significant evidence, held that the ''Surcouf'', during her stationing at New London in late 1941, had been caught treacherously supplying a German U-boat in Long Island Sound, pursued by the American training subs ''[[USS Marlin (SS-205)|Marlin]]'' and ''[[USS Mackerel (SS-204)|Mackerel]]'' out of New London, and sunk. The rumor circulated into the early 21st century, but is false since the ''Surcouf''{{'}}s later movements south are well documented.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20161120/NWS01/161129931 |title=French sub's visit to New London launched conspiracy theory |author=John Ruddy |date=November 20, 2016 |work=The [New London] Day |accessdate=March 9, 2021}}</ref>
==Theories on the loss of ''Surcouf''==
[[File:Scale model of Surcouf-MnM 31 MG 16-IMG 6248-white.jpg|thumb|Model of ''Surcouf'' in Paris]]
As there is no conclusive confirmation that ''Thompson Lykes'' collided with ''Surcouf'', and her wreck has yet to be discovered, there are alternative stories of her fate.


===In popular media===
Disregarding the predictable story about her being swallowed by the [[Bermuda Triangle]] (a fantastical zone that would not be conceptualised until two decades after the submarine's disappearance), one of the most popular is that she was caught in [[Long Island Sound]] refuelling a German [[U-boat]], and both submarines were sunk, either by the American submarines {{USS|Mackerel|SS-204|6}} and {{USS|Marlin|SS-205|2}},<ref>{{cite book |last=Knoblock |first=Glenn A |authorlink= |last2=Mordal |first2=Jacques |authorlink2=Jacques Mordal |year=2005 |title=Black Submariners in the United States Navy, 1940–1975 |location= |publisher=McFarland |isbn=0-7864-1993-8 |page=78}}</ref> or a [[United States Coast Guard]] [[blimp]]. (On 14 April 1942, ''Mackerel'' had torpedoes fired at her by a German U-boat while en route from New London to Norfolk. The torpedoes missed ''Mackerel'' which returned fire without result. It is possible some assumed this attack was made by ''Surcouf'', fuelling rumors she was really serving the Germans.)
The ''Surcouf'' is the subject of an underwater search by the fictional organization ''NUMA'' and international terrorists in the [[Clive Cussler]] novel "The Corsican Shadow", published in 2023. Cussler and his co-writer, Dirk Cussler, writes the ''Surcouf''{{'}}s wreck was discovered "...some eighty miles off the Panama coast." The sinking is even attributed to ''Surcouf''{{'}}s radio antenna being damaged in the collision with the ''Thompson Lykes'', and then finished off by the reported attack of an A-17 bomber the next morning.

In response to the above theory, Captain Julius Grigore, Jr., USNR (Retired), who has extensively researched and written about ''Surcouf'', offered a one million dollar prize to anyone who can prove ''Surcouf'' engaged in activities detrimental to the Allied cause. As of 2011, the prize has not been claimed.<ref>{{cite book |last=Grigore |first=Julius, Jr. |authorlink= Cpt. Julius Grigore Jr. |year=2011 |title=The Surcouf Conspiracy: A Penetrating Analysis of the Worst Submarine Disaster in History |location= |publisher=iUniverse.com |isbn=1-4620-3147-1 |page=35}}</ref>

[[James Rusbridger]] examined some of the theories in his book ''Who Sank Surcouf?'', finding them all easily dismissed except one: the records of the [[6th Operations Group|6th Heavy Bomber Group]] operating out of Panama show them sinking a large submarine the morning of 19 February. Since no German submarine was lost in the area on that date, it could have been ''Surcouf''. He suggested the collision had damaged ''Surcouf''{{'}}s radio and the stricken boat limped towards Panama hoping for the best.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rusbridger |first=James |authorlink=James Rusbridger |title=Who Sank the "Surcouf"?: The Truth About the Disappearance of the Pride of the French Navy |location= |publisher=Ebury Press |isbn=0-7126-3975-6 |page=}}{{page needed|date=July 2013}}</ref>


==Honors==
==Honors==
*''Médaille de la Résistance avec Rosette'' ([[Resistance Medal]] with rosette) - 29 November 1946
*''Médaille de la Résistance avec Rosette'' ([[Resistance Medal]] with rosette) - 29 November 1946
*Cited in Orders of Corps of the Army - 4 August 1945
*Cited in Orders of Corps of the Army - 4 August 1945
*Cited in Orders of the Navy - 8 January 1947 <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120902102205/http://sous-marin.france.pagesperso-orange.fr/NN3.htm</ref>
*Cited in Orders of the Navy - 8 January 1947<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sous-marin.france.pagesperso-orange.fr/NN3.htm |title=N N 3 |website=sous-marin.france.pagesperso-orange.fr |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902102205/http://sous-marin.france.pagesperso-orange.fr/NN3.htm |archive-date=2 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Commanding officers==
* 15 August 1930: Frigate Captain de Belot (Sea trials and armament at Cherbourg.)
* 9 September 1933: Frigate Captain Le Portier (End of sea trials. Assigned to [[List of submarines of France|Brest submarine flotilla]].)
* 26 August 1935: Frigate Captain Derrien (In service in the submarine flotilla of Brest then overhaul.)
* 29 October 1937: Frigate Captain Le Gouic (Overhaul then service in the submarine flotilla of Brest.)
* 19 October 1939: Frigate Captain Martin (In service then in dry dock at Brest. Departed for Plymouth, Great Britain on 18 June 1940.)
* 15 September 1940: Frigate Captain Ortoli (rearmament under the flag of the Free French Naval Forces)
* 7 October 1941: Frigate Captain Blaison (Rallying of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Overhaul in the United States. Disappearance of ''Surcouf''.)

==''Surcouf'' in fiction==
The model of the titular submarine in ''[[Lorelei: The Witch of the Pacific Ocean|Lorelei]]'' is based on ''Surcouf''.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} Particularly noticeable are the 8-inch guns and their housing.

A much enlarged version of ''Surcouf'' is also the school ship of Maginot in the Japanese anime ''[[Girls und Panzer]]''. It appears briefly, along with other school ships, in one of the [[original video animation]]s.

A ''Surcouf''-type submarine appears in the ''[[Destroyermen (book series)|Destroyermen]]'' novel ''Deadly Shores'' by [[Taylor Anderson]].

The [[Christine Kling]] novel ''[[Circle of Bones]]'' involves a fictional account of the loss of ''Surcouf'' as part of a [[Skull and Bones]] conspiracy. It relates the secret society's attempts to destroy the submarine's remains before they could be salvaged in 2008.

The [[Douglas Reeman]] novel [[Strike from the Sea]] involves a fictional sister ship of ''Surcouf'' called ''Soufrière'' which is surrendered by its French crew to the Royal Navy and subsequently used in the defense and evacuation of ''Singapore'' before being turned over to the [[Free French Navy]].


==See also==
==See also==
Line 238: Line 214:
*[[Georges Cabanier]]
*[[Georges Cabanier]]
*[[HMS X1|HM Submarine ''X1'']]
*[[HMS X1|HM Submarine ''X1'']]
*{{HMS|M2||6}}
*{{HMS|M2|1918||6}}
*Japanese [[I-400-class submarine|''I-400''-class submarine]]
*Japanese [[I-400-class submarine|''I-400''-class submarine]]
*[[USS Dorado (SS-248)]] a US submarine sunk in the same area under similar circumstances
*[[List of active French Navy ships]]
*[[List of Escorteurs of the French Navy]]
*[[List of submarines of France]]
*[[List of submarines of France]]
*[[Submarine aircraft carrier]]
*[[Submarine aircraft carrier]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=35em}}
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite journal|last1=Jurens |first1=W. J.|year=1986|title=Question 18/85|journal=Warship International|volume=XXIII|issue=3|pages=312–314|issn=0043-0374}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Surcouf (submarine, 1934)}}
{{Commons category|Surcouf (submarine, 1934)}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120902102205/http://sous-marin.france.pagesperso-orange.fr/NN3.htm NN3 Specs] {{fr icon}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120902102205/http://sous-marin.france.pagesperso-orange.fr/NN3.htm NN3 Specs] {{in lang|fr}}
*[http://www.ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/FrenchSubmarineSurcoufthe.html Surcouf and M.B.411]
*[http://www.ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/FrenchSubmarineSurcoufthe.html ''Surcouf'' and M.B.411]
*[https://www.warhistoryonline.com/military-vehicle-news/what-happened-to-the-french-undersea-cruiser-surcouf-bermuda-triangle-sunk-byfriendly-fire-or-rammed.html War History Online]
*[https://www.warhistoryonline.com/military-vehicle-news/what-happened-to-the-french-undersea-cruiser-surcouf-bermuda-triangle-sunk-byfriendly-fire-or-rammed.html War History Online]
*[http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/france/submarines/surcouf_nn3_roll_of_honour.htm] Roll of Honor


{{WWII French ships}}
{{WWIIFrenchShips}}
{{July 1940 shipwrecks}}
{{July 1940 shipwrecks}}
{{February 1942 shipwrecks}}
{{February 1942 shipwrecks}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Surcouf (N N 3}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Surcouf, French submarine}}
[[Category:Submarines of the French Navy]]
[[Category:Submarines of the French Navy]]
[[Category:Submarine aircraft carriers]]
[[Category:Submarine aircraft carriers]]
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[[Category:World War II submarines of France]]
[[Category:World War II submarines of France]]
[[Category:Submarines of the Free French Naval Forces]]
[[Category:Submarines of the Free French Naval Forces]]
[[Category:Ships sunk in collisions]]
[[Category:Submarines sunk in collisions]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea]]
[[Category:World War II shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea]]
[[Category:International maritime incidents]]
[[Category:International maritime incidents]]
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[[Category:Maritime incidents in July 1940]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in July 1940]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in February 1942]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in February 1942]]
[[Category:Ships lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Warships lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Submarines lost with all hands]]
[[Category:Surface-underwater ships]]
[[Category:Surface-underwater ships]]
[[Category:Lost submarines of France]]
[[Category:Lost submarines of France]]

Latest revision as of 00:52, 8 September 2024

Surcouf c. 1935
History
France
NameSurcouf
NamesakeRobert Surcouf
Ordered4 August 1926
BuilderCherbourg Arsenal
Laid down1 July 1927
Launched18 November 1929
Commissioned16 April 1934
In service1934–1942
Refit1941
Identification
Honors and
awards
Resistance Medal with rosette
FateDisappeared, 18 February 1942
General characteristics
TypeCruiser submarine
Displacement
  • 3,250 long tons (3,302 t) (surfaced)
  • 4,304 long tons (4,373 t) (submerged)
  • 2,880 long tons (2,926 t) (dead)
Length110 m (361 ft)
Beam9 m (29 ft 6 in)
Draft7.25 m (23 ft 9 in)
Installed power
  • 7,600 hp (5,700 kW) (surfaced)
  • 3,400 hp (2,500 kW) (submerged)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h; 21.3 mph) (surfaced)
  • 10 kn (19 km/h; 12 mph) (submerged)
Range
  • Surfaced:
  • 18,500 km (10,000 nmi; 11,500 mi) at 10 kn (19 km/h; 12 mph)
  • 12,600 km (6,800 nmi; 7,800 mi) at 13.5 kn (25.0 km/h; 15.5 mph)
  • Submerged:
  • 130 km (70 nmi; 81 mi) at 4.5 kn (8.3 km/h; 5.2 mph)
  • 110 km (59 nmi; 68 mi) at 5 kn (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph)
Endurance90 days
Test depth80 m (260 ft)
Boats & landing
craft carried
2 × motorboats in watertight deck well
Capacity280 long tons (284 t)
Complement8 officers and 110 men
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × Besson MB.411 floatplane
Aviation facilitiesHangar

Surcouf [syʁ.kuf] was a large French gun-armed cruiser submarine of the mid 20th century. She carried two 203 mm guns as well as anti-aircraft guns and (for most of her career) a floatplane. Surcouf served in the French Navy and, later, the Free French Naval Forces during the Second World War.

Surcouf disappeared during the night of 18/19 February 1942 in the Caribbean Sea, possibly after colliding with the US freighter Thompson Lykes, although this has not been definitely established. She was named after the French privateer and shipowner Robert Surcouf. She was the largest submarine built until surpassed by the first Japanese I-400 class aircraft carrier submarine in 1944.

Design

[edit]

The Washington Naval Treaty had placed strict limits on naval construction by the major naval powers in regard to displacements and artillery calibers of battleships and cruisers. However, no agreements were reached in respect of light ships such as frigates, destroyers or submarines. In addition, to ensure the country's protection and that of the empire, France started the construction of an important submarine fleet (79 units in 1939). Surcouf was intended to be the first of a class of three submarine cruisers; however, she was the only one completed.

The missions revolved around:

  • Ensuring contact with the French colonies;
  • In collaboration with French naval squadrons, searching for and destroying enemy fleets;
  • Pursuing enemy convoys.

Surcouf had a twin-gun turret with 203 mm (8-inch) guns, the same calibre as the guns of a heavy cruiser, provisioned with 60 rounds. She was designed as an "underwater heavy cruiser", intended to seek out and engage in surface combat.[2] The boat carried a Besson MB.411 observation floatplane in a hangar built aft of the conning tower for reconnaissance and observing fall of shot.

The boat was equipped with ten torpedo tubes: four 550 mm (22 in) tubes in the bow, and two swiveling external launchers in the aft superstructure, each with one 550 mm and two 400 mm (16 in) torpedo tubes. Eight 550 mm and four 400 mm reloads were carried.[3] The 203  Modèle 1924 guns were in a pressure-tight turret forward of the conning tower. The guns had a 60-round magazine capacity and were controlled by a director with a 5 m (16 ft) rangefinder, mounted high enough to view an 11 km (5.9 nmi; 6.8 mi) horizon, and able to fire within three minutes after surfacing.[4] Using the boat's periscopes to direct the fire of the main guns, Surcouf could increase the visible range to 16 km (8.6 nmi; 9.9 mi); originally an elevating platform was supposed to lift lookouts 15 m (49 ft) high, but this design was abandoned quickly due to the effect of roll.[5] The Besson observation plane could be used to direct fire out to the guns' 26 mi (23 nmi; 42 km) maximum range. Anti-aircraft cannon and machine guns were mounted on the top of the hangar.

Surcouf also carried a 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) motorboat, and contained a cargo compartment with fittings to restrain 40 prisoners or lodge 40 passengers. The submarine's fuel tanks were very large; having enough fuel for a 10,000 nmi (19,000 km; 12,000 mi) range and supplies for 90-day patrols.

The test depth was 80 m (260 ft).

The first commanding officer was Frigate Captain (Capitaine de Frégate, a rank equivalent to Commander) Raymond de Belot.

The boat encountered several technical challenges:

  • Because of the low height of the rangefinder above the water surface, the practical range of fire was 12,000 m (13,000 yd) with the rangefinder, increased to 16,000 m (17,000 yd) with sighting aided by periscope, well below the guns' maximum range of 26,000 m (28,000 yd).
  • The duration between the surface order and the first firing round was 3 minutes and 35 seconds. This duration would be longer if the boat was to fire broadside, which meant surfacing and training the turret in the desired direction.
  • Firing had to occur at a precise moment of pitch and roll when the ship was level.
  • Training the turret to either side was impossible when the ship rolled 8° or more.
  • Surcouf could not fire accurately at night, as fall of shot could not be observed in the dark.
  • The guns' ready magazines had to be reloaded after firing 14 rounds from each gun.

To replace the floatplane, whose functioning was initially constrained and limited in use, trials were conducted with an autogyro in 1938.

Appearance

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'From the beginning of the boat's career until 1932, the boat was painted the same grey colour as surface warships, but thereafter in Prussian dark blue, a colour which was retained until the end of 1940 when it was repainted with two tones of grey, serving as camouflage on the hull and conning tower.

Career

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Early career

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Soon after Surcouf was launched, the London Naval Treaty finally placed restrictions on submarine designs. Among other things, each signatory (France included) was permitted to possess no more than three large submarines, each not exceeding 2,800 long tons (2,845 t) standard displacement, with guns not exceeding 6.1 in (150 mm) in caliber. Surcouf, which would have exceeded these limits, was specially exempt from the rules at the insistence of Navy Minister Georges Leygues,[4] but other 'big-gun' submarines of this boat's class could no longer be built.

Second World War

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Seizure of Surcouf
Part of World War II
Date3 July 1940
Location
Plymouth, England, United Kingdom
Result British capture of Surcouf
Belligerents
United Kingdom United Kingdom France France
Casualties and losses
3 killed 1 killed

In 1940, Surcouf was based in Cherbourg, but in May, when the Germans invaded, she was being refitted in Brest following a mission in the Antilles and Gulf of Guinea. Under command of Frigate Captain Martin, unable to dive and with only one engine functioning and a jammed rudder, she limped across the English Channel and sought refuge in Plymouth.

On 3 July, the British, concerned that the French Fleet would be taken over by the German Kriegsmarine at the French armistice, executed Operation Catapult. The Royal Navy blockaded the harbours where French warships were anchored, and delivered an ultimatum: rejoin the fight against Germany, be put out of reach of the Germans, or scuttle. Few accepted willingly; the North African fleet at Mers-el-Kebir and the ships based at Dakar (French West Africa) refused. The French battleships in North Africa were eventually attacked and all but one sunk at their moorings by the Mediterranean Fleet.

French ships lying at ports in Britain and Canada were also boarded by armed marines, sailors and soldiers, but the only serious incident took place at Plymouth aboard Surcouf on 3 July, when two Royal Navy submarine officers, Commander Denis 'Lofty' Sprague, captain of HMS Thames, and Lieutenant Patrick Griffiths of HMS Rorqual,[6][7] and French warrant officer mechanic Yves Daniel[8] were fatally wounded, and a British seaman, Albert Webb,[6] was shot dead by the submarine's doctor.[9]

Free French Naval Forces

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By August 1940, the British completed Surcouf's refit and turned her over to the Free French Naval Forces (Forces Navales Françaises Libres, FNFL) for convoy patrol. The only officer not repatriated from the original crew, Frigate Captain Georges Louis Blaison, became the new commanding officer. Because of Anglo-French tensions with regard to the submarine, accusations were made by each side that the other was spying for Vichy France; the British also claimed Surcouf was attacking British ships. Later, a British officer and two sailors were put aboard for "liaison" purposes. One real drawback was she required a crew of 110–130 men, which represented three crews of more conventional submarines. This led to Royal Navy reluctance to recommission her.

Surcouf then went to the Canadian base at Halifax, Nova Scotia and escorted trans-Atlantic convoys. In April 1941, she was damaged by a German plane at Devonport.[8]

On 28 July, Surcouf went to the United States Naval Shipyard at Kittery, Maine for a three-month refit.[4]

After leaving the shipyard, Surcouf went to New London, Connecticut, perhaps to receive additional training for her crew. Surcouf left New London on 27 November to return to Halifax.

Capture of St. Pierre and Miquelon

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French postage stamp celebrating the "capture" of Saint Pierre and Miquelon (1961).

In December 1941, Surcouf carried the Free French Admiral Émile Muselier to Canada, putting into Quebec City. While the Admiral was in Ottawa, conferring with the Canadian government, Surcouf's captain was approached by The New York Times reporter Ira Wolfert and questioned about the rumours the submarine would liberate Saint-Pierre and Miquelon for Free France. Wolfert accompanied the submarine to Halifax, where, on 20 December, they joined Free French "Escorteurs" corvettes Mimosa, Aconit, and Alysse, and on 24 December, took control of the islands for Free France without resistance.

United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull had just concluded an agreement with the Vichy government guaranteeing the neutrality of French possessions in the Western hemisphere, and he threatened to resign unless President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt demanded a restoration of the status quo. Roosevelt did so, but when Charles de Gaulle refused, Roosevelt dropped the matter. Ira Wolfert's stories – very favourable to the Free French (and bearing no sign of kidnapping or other duress) – helped swing American popular opinion away from Vichy. The Axis Powers' declaration of war on the United States in December 1941 negated the agreement, but the U.S. did not sever diplomatic ties with the Vichy Government until November 1942.

Later operations

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In January 1942, the Free French leadership decided to send Surcouf to the Pacific theatre, after she had been re-supplied at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. However, her movement south triggered rumours that Surcouf was going to liberate Martinique from the Vichy regime.

In fact, Surcouf was bound for Sydney, Australia, via Tahiti.[4] She departed Halifax on 2 February for Bermuda, which she left on 12 February, bound for the Panama Canal.[8]

Fate

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The Free French Memorial on Lyle Hill, Greenock: À la mémoire du Capitaine de frégate Blaison, des officiers et de l'équipage du sous-marin Surcouf perdu dans l'Atlantique Février 1942 ("To the memory of Frigate Captain Blaison, the officers[,] and the crew of the submarine Surcouf[,] lost in the Atlantic February 1942").

Surcouf vanished on the night of 18/19 February 1942, about 130 km (70 nmi) north of Cristóbal, Panama, while en route for Tahiti, via the Panama Canal. An American report concluded the disappearance was due to an accidental collision with the American freighter Thompson Lykes. Steaming alone from Guantanamo Bay on what was a very dark night, the freighter reported hitting and running down a partially submerged object which scraped along her side and keel. Her lookouts heard people in the water but, thinking she had hit a U-boat, the freighter did not stop although cries for help were heard in English. A signal was sent to Panama describing the incident.[10][11]

The loss resulted in 130 deaths (including 4 Royal Navy personnel), under the command of Frigate Captain Georges Louis Nicolas Blaison.[12] The loss of Surcouf was announced by the Free French Headquarters in London on 18 April 1942, and was reported in The New York Times the next day.[13] It was not reported Surcouf was sunk as the result of a collision with the Thompson Lykes until January 1945.[14]

The investigation of the French commission concluded the disappearance was the consequence of misunderstanding. A Consolidated PBY, patrolling the same waters on the night of 18/19 February, could have attacked Surcouf believing her to be German or Japanese.

Inquiries into the incident were haphazard and late, while a later French inquiry supported the idea that the sinking had been due to "friendly fire"; this conclusion was supported by Rear Admiral Gabriel Auphan in his book The French Navy in World War II.[15] Charles de Gaulle stated in his memoirs[16] that Surcouf "had sunk with all hands".

Legacy

[edit]
French submarine Surcouf is located in Caribbean
French submarine Surcouf
Possible site of the Surcouf's sinking, if she collided with the Thompson Lykes.

As no one has officially dived or verified the wreck of Surcouf, her location is unknown. If one assumes the Thompson Lykes incident was indeed the event of Surcouf's sinking, then the wreck would lie 3,000 m (9,800 ft) deep at 10°40′N 79°32′W / 10.667°N 79.533°W / 10.667; -79.533.[4]

A monument commemorates the loss in the port of Cherbourg in Normandy, France.[17] The loss is also commemorated by the Free French Memorial on Lyle Hill in Greenock, Scotland.[18]

Model of Surcouf in Paris.

As there is no conclusive confirmation that Thompson Lykes collided with Surcouf, and her wreck has yet to be discovered, there are alternative stories of her fate. James Rusbridger examined some of these theories in his book Who Sank Surcouf?, finding them all easily dismissible except one: the records of the 6th Heavy Bomber Group operating out of Panama show them sinking a large submarine the morning of 19 February. Since no German submarine was lost in the area on that date, she could have been Surcouf. He suggested the collision had damaged Surcouf's radio and the stricken boat limped towards Panama hoping for the best.[19]

A conspiracy theory, based on no significant evidence, held that the Surcouf, during her stationing at New London in late 1941, had been caught treacherously supplying a German U-boat in Long Island Sound, pursued by the American training subs Marlin and Mackerel out of New London, and sunk. The rumor circulated into the early 21st century, but is false since the Surcouf's later movements south are well documented.[20]

[edit]

The Surcouf is the subject of an underwater search by the fictional organization NUMA and international terrorists in the Clive Cussler novel "The Corsican Shadow", published in 2023. Cussler and his co-writer, Dirk Cussler, writes the Surcouf's wreck was discovered "...some eighty miles off the Panama coast." The sinking is even attributed to Surcouf's radio antenna being damaged in the collision with the Thompson Lykes, and then finished off by the reported attack of an A-17 bomber the next morning.

Honors

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  • Médaille de la Résistance avec Rosette (Resistance Medal with rosette) - 29 November 1946
  • Cited in Orders of Corps of the Army - 4 August 1945
  • Cited in Orders of the Navy - 8 January 1947[21]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ross, D. (2016:65). The World's Most Powerful Submarines. United States: Rosen Publishing.
  2. ^ Winchester, Clarence (1937). Shipping wonders of the world. Vol. 41–55. Amalgamated Press. p. 1431.
  3. ^ Huan, Claude (1996). Le croiseur sous-marin Surcouf. Bourg en Bresse: Marines editions. pp. 53–54.
  4. ^ a b c d e Croiseur sous-marin Surcouf, netmarine
  5. ^ Sous-marin croiseur Surcouf: Caractéristiques principales
  6. ^ a b Smith, Colin (24 June 2010). England's last war against France: Fighting Vichy 1940–42 (paperback ed.). Phoenix. Chapter 4. ISBN 978-0-7538-2705-5.
  7. ^ Kindell, Don (12 June 2011), Gordon Smith (ed.), "1st – 31st July 1940", Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies, World War 2
  8. ^ a b c Histoire du sous-marin Surcouf (in French), netmarine
  9. ^ Brown, David; Till, Geoffrey (2004). The Road to Oran: Anglo-French Naval Relations, September 1939 – July 1940. Routledge. p. 182. ISBN 0-7146-5461-2.
  10. ^ Morison, Samuel Eliot; Till, Geoffrey (2001). History of United States Naval Operations in World War II: The Rising Sun in the Pacific, 1931 – April 1942. University of Illinois Press. p. 265. ISBN 0-252-06963-3.
  11. ^ Kelshall, Gaylord; Till, Geoffrey (1994). The U-Boat War in the Caribbean. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. p. 68. ISBN 1-55750-452-0.
  12. ^ "Blaison Georges Louis Nicolas". memorial-national-des-marins.fr. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  13. ^ "Free French List Surcouf as Lost". The New York Times. 19 April 1942. p. 36. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  14. ^ The New York Times. 29 January 1945.
  15. ^ Auphan, Paul; Mordal, Jacques (1959). The French Navy in World War II. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press.[page needed]
  16. ^ de Gaulle, Charles (1955). Mordal, Jaques (ed.). The War Memoirs of Charles de Gaulle, Vol. 1 The Call To Honour 1940–1942. Viking Press.[page needed]
  17. ^ "Ahoy - Mac's Web Log - French Submarine Surcouf, the World's largest Submarine before WW2. Her mysterious disappearance in February of 1942".
  18. ^ "War Memorials". Inverclyde Council. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2020. A la memoire du Capitaine de frigate Blaison, des officiers et de l'equipage du sous-marin Surcouf perdu dans l'Atlantique Fevrier 1942
  19. ^ Rusbridger, James (1991). Who Sank the "Surcouf"?: The Truth About the Disappearance of the Pride of the French Navy. Ebury Press. ISBN 0-7126-3975-6.[page needed]
  20. ^ John Ruddy (20 November 2016). "French sub's visit to New London launched conspiracy theory". The [New London] Day. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  21. ^ "N N 3". sous-marin.france.pagesperso-orange.fr. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2022.

Bibliography

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  • Jurens, W. J. (1986). "Question 18/85". Warship International. XXIII (3): 312–314. ISSN 0043-0374.
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